General Information

Absences

To ensure smooth operation and maintain clear communication within our co-op, all members are required to post a notification on the website forum whenever they anticipate an absence. This message should include the specific dates of absence, and optionally, a brief explanation of the reason. Please try to avoid making non-emergency appointments/plans on co-op days. This practice allows other members to adjust schedules, redistribute tasks if necessary, and ensures everyone is aware of who is unavailable. By consistently adhering to this policy, we can minimize disruptions and maintain a collaborative and efficient environment.

Your choice to participate in Our Lady of Walsingham Homeschool Co-op means that our Friday classes should be a priority for your family. If your family is absent for three consecutive co-op dates, you will be dropped from Our Lady of Walsingham Homeschool Co-op. Please communicate clearly with the Leadership Team regarding your family’s situation.

Class Cancellations

If it is necessary to cancel classes for any reasons, you will be notified as soon as possible.

Class Changes

To maintain consistent class sizes and ensure a stable learning environment, student class changes are permitted only during the first week of each semester. After this initial period, students are expected to remain in their selected classes for the duration of the semester. This policy promotes continuity and allows instructors to effectively plan and deliver their curriculum. Exceptions to this rule will only be considered under extraordinary circumstances and must be explicitly approved by Our Lady of Walsingham Homeschool Co-op administration. This measure ensures fairness and stability for all students and instructors within the co-op program.

Communications

To ensure efficient and reliable communication, all information regarding Our Lady of Walsingham Homeschool Co-op activities, updates, and announcements will be disseminated through two primary channels:

Our Website: Please check our website regularly for updated schedules, resources, and general information.
Private Signal Group: We have created a private Signal group for real-time communication and updates.

It is the responsibility of each parent to stay informed by actively checking both the website and the Signal group for the latest information. We will not be sending out individual emails for every update.

Electronic Devices - For All Students Attending Co-op

To maintain a focused and engaging learning environment for all students attending co-op, electronic devices are prohibited during co-op hours. This includes, but is not limited to, cell phones, tablets, laptops, and gaming devices.

Specifically:

During Class Time and Recess: Electronic devices are strictly prohibited during all scheduled classes and recess, unless explicitly permitted by a teacher for a specific educational activity.
Study Hall: Study Hall is a designated device-free zone.
General Co-op Time: We strongly encourage students to engage with their peers and participate in co-op activities without the distraction of electronic devices.

Rationale:

The internet presents numerous challenges for safe navigation, and we are committed to maintaining co-op as a safe and innocent environment for all our children. By limiting electronic device use, we can minimize potential exposure to inappropriate content and encourage positive social interaction.

We understand that there may be rare instances where a student needs to use a device for urgent communication or a pre-approved educational purpose. In such cases, prior approval from Our Lady of Walsingham Homeschool Co-op is required.

This policy aims to foster an environment of interaction, learning, and community. We appreciate your cooperation in helping us create a positive and productive co-op experience for all.

Extended Guardianship

In situations where parents are unable to participate during co-op hours due to extenuating family circumstances, extended guardianship may be considered. To facilitate a child's continued participation, Our Lady of Walsingham Homeschool Co-op may approve a qualified adult, not already involved in the co-op, to serve as a guardian. This approval process requires a detailed explanation of the family circumstances. Upon approval, the parent will complete the Our Lady of Walsingham Homeschool Co-op registration form and pay all applicable fees. It is crucial to understand that the extended guardian assumes full responsibility for fulfilling all co-op requirements, including volunteering for classes and meeting all Church and State volunteer obligations, just as any other participating family.

Food

No eating is allowed inside the facility unless a teacher provides it within their class. Snacks and lunch are to be eaten outside only.

Grade Level Placement

To ensure academic success and a positive learning experience, students are permitted to move only one grade level up or down from their designated grade. This policy is designed to align students with appropriate curriculum and peer groups, fostering an environment where they can thrive. Factors such as academic readiness, maturity, and individual learning needs are considered to optimize each student's educational journey. By limiting grade level movement, we aim to provide a supportive and engaging classroom environment that sets every student up for success. Exceptions to this rule will only be considered under extraordinary circumstances and must be explicitly approved by Our Lady of Walsingham Homeschool Co-op administration.

Illnesses

Please do NOT come to co-op if anyone in your family has had the stomach bug in the last 72 hours. Everyone in household needs to be symptom free for 72 hours.

Please do not come to co-op if anyone in your household has had a fever for any reason or yellow/green mucus, severe coughing, sore throat, pink eye or any other contagious conditions in the last 24 hours. Everyone in household must be symptom free.

Kindergarten Class

To ensure a focused and productive learning environment for our registered kindergarten students, and due to the limited space within the kindergarten classroom, the following policies will be implemented for the upcoming school year:

Student Age Policy:

Students must be five (5) years old by the start of the school year to enroll in the kindergarten class.
A student who turns five (5) during the school year may attend the kindergarten class only if their parent volunteers for each and every class session that their child attends. This policy ensures adequate adult supervision and support within the classroom.

Parent Volunteer Policy:

Parent volunteers within the kindergarten classroom must have a child officially enrolled in the kindergarten class. This policy ensures that volunteer efforts are directly supporting the learning needs of our registered students.

Toddler Policy:

While we appreciate the involvement of parent volunteers, toddlers are not permitted to participate in kindergarten class activities. The kindergarten classroom is designated for the exclusive use of registered kindergarten students.
Parents with toddlers who are volunteering will need to make alternative arrangements for their toddlers' entertainment during class time.
The kindergarten teacher is the only exception to this policy.

These policies are in place to maintain a dedicated learning space for our kindergarten students and to minimize distractions that could hinder their educational experience. We appreciate the cooperation and understanding of our parents in adhering to these guidelines.

Lost & Found

Please be sure to keep track of your child’s coats and backpacks. Label all personal items with the child's name. Be mindful to check lost and found every so often. At the end of the semester, remaining items will be donated to a charity.

TBD - Nursery

The co-op offers a nursery to provide a safe and engaging environment for toddlers while their parents are actively teaching or assisting in co-op classes. This service is intended to support parent participation and ensure a productive learning environment for all co-op members.

Enrollment and Usage:

Toddlers may be enrolled in the nursery only during the times their parent is actively teaching or assisting in a co-op class.
Parents are responsible for signing their toddlers in and out of the nursery.
Parents are expected to provide any necessary items for their toddlers.
To ensure adequate supervision, the nursery is staffed by parent volunteers.

Supervision and Safety:

Nursery volunteers are responsible for the safety and well-being of the toddlers in their care.
Playing is allowed, but rough play is not, to maintain a safe environment.
Volunteers will maintain a clean and organized nursery space.
In the event of an emergency or if a toddler requires parental attention, parents will be notified immediately.
Nursery volunteers are not permitted to change diapers. Parents are responsible for changing their child's diapers.
Nursery volunteers are not permitted to take toddlers to the restroom. Parents are responsible for taking their child to the restroom.

Parent Responsibilities:

Parents are expected to be available and responsive if their toddler requires attention.
Parents are responsible for cleaning up after their toddler before leaving the nursery.
Parents are asked to not send sick children to the nursery.

Co-op Responsibilities:

The co-op will provide a safe and designated space for the nursery.
The co-op will coordinate volunteer schedules to ensure adequate supervision.
The co-op will address any concerns or issues related to the nursery in a timely and professional manner.

No ‘Drop Off’ Co-op Rule / Parent Participation

Since Our Lady of Walsingham Homeschool Co-op is organized as a cooperative effort by the parents, it is necessary to enforce the no ‘drop off’ rule. Our Lady of Walsingham Homeschool Co-op is not a drop off situation—meaning that every child enrolled must have a ‘participating parent’ who is on campus the entire time that the child is there. If the participating parent does not follow this rule, Our Lady of Walsingham Homeschool Co-op will contact the parent by phone or by email one time. If that parent offends again, their family’s participation at Our Lady of Walsingham Homeschool Co-op may be jeopardized.

Sacrament Prep Class

For those who will have a child participate in the Sacrament Prep class and would like them to receive their sacraments in the spring, you MUST follow these requirments.

Child must be 7 years old by May 1st.
Prior to enrolling in this class, families must be a registered member of Holy Martyrs Church and the Ordinariate for at least one year.
Attend Holy Martyrs Church regularly.
You must turn in all forms to the Holy Martyrs secretary, Michele, at [email protected]
Only two classes may be missed for unexcused absences. Any more than that will need to be worked out with both the teacher and Our Lady of Walsingham Homeschool Co-op. If absences continue, you will be dropped from the class and will need to wait the following year to have your child receive their sacraments.

Student of the Week

Parents and teachers will have the opportunity each week of co-op to nominate a Student of the Week. This should be a student who has been exceptional either in the classroom or in character. They may have excelled in a class project, displayed an especially good attitude, or been particularly helpful to another student or adult. Parents are not allowed to nominate their own children. A name will be drawn each week from those nominated.

Study Hall

To maintain a secure and productive learning atmosphere during scheduled class times, all students are required to be in a designated class. If a student is not enrolled in a class, either due to a lack of interest in available offerings or placement on a waitlist, they must register and attend Study Hall.

Study Hall is a designated device-free zone. This policy is in place to ensure a focused and uninterrupted learning environment, allowing students to maximize their study time and engage in productive, independent activities.

Study Hall provides a structured alternative for students needing to utilize their time effectively, whether for independent study, completing assignments, or awaiting class enrollment. This ensures accountability and maintains order throughout the co-op during class hours.

Study Hall will be proctored by a parent volunteer. This ensures that students have adult supervision and assistance as needed, and that the device-free policy is adhered to.

By adhering to the device-free policy and procedural guidelines, students contribute to a positive and conducive learning environment for all.

Visitors and Guests

No unregistered children or adults may attend Our Lady of Walsingham Homeschool Co-op classes. However, occasional visitors are allowed.

With prior approval, those seeking membership may attend co-op one time while still in process for membership.

If a registered member has a visiting guest they may bring them to co-op with the understanding that members are responsible for the conduct of their guests and should be certain that their guests adhere to our Guidelines. With prior approval for each visit, a member’s guest may come up to two co-op days without registering or paying and will fall under the membership of host member. If there will be more than two co-op days they will be attending, the parent of the guest will need to register as a member, agree to the Statement of Faith and all the sections under Policies & Procedures, be approved and pay the Registration Fee unless special arrangements have been made with the Leadership Team.

The rights and benefits of the registered members outweigh the privilege of bringing a guest. Dismissal of a guest is at the discretion of Our Lady of Walsingham Homeschool Co-op solely.